Restaurants and stores selling meat across the southern U.S. have been receiving visits from the animal rights organization known for its protests of the mistreatment and slaughter of animals.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has been parking a truck called "Hell on Wheels" with realistic pictures of pigs on the side and the sound of pigs' "panicked screams" and "subliminal" messages suggesting people be vegan.
The truck stopped in Meridian and Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on March 28 and 29. And it made stops in Covington and Metairie on April 1.
From April 2-4, the truck will stop in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette.
A truck with recorded sounds of the pigs’ screams, along with a subliminal message every 10 seconds suggesting that people go vegan, is stopping around Louisiana.
In New Orleans, the animal rights organization said diners at Central City BBQ "are in for an earful" when its truck stops at noon on April 2.
Central City BBQ Owner Marc Bonifacic said the organization can exercise its freedom of speech outside his restaurant. His chief concern about the demonstration is the noise level of the truck.
"They have every right to do it," he said. "As long as they don't disrupt our customers, I'm fine with it."
Bonifacic was unaware before talking with the Times-Picayune that the organization would target his business. He later added that he planned to share with Central City BBQ fans about the demonstration and encouraged supporting the restaurant while also being respectful.
PETA said its multi-state tour of its pesky vehicle is meant to raise awareness ahead of Easter of the suffering behind glazed hams that could be consumed as part of some family traditions. The truck has also made stops in Texas, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama.
"PETA's 'Hell on Wheels' truck is an appeal to everyone who eats pigs to remember that the meat industry is cruel and that going vegan truly celebrates life," PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said.
